‘Remarkable’ Cech shuts out Deeney as Arsenal beat Watford

PETR Cech gave Arsenal fans the best Mother’s Day day present they could imagine after saving a penalty from Troy “no cajones” Deeney to notch up a new Premier League milestone, as the Gunners enjoyed a comfortable win against Watford.

The Watford captain had mocked the Gunners after their defeat at Vicarage Road in October – but Arsenal had the last laugh today. Cech – who has not saved a penalty in the Premier League since 2011 – stopped the shot to his right.

The keeper, who also recorded his 200th league clean sheet, looked as surprised as the home fans on a day when thousands stayed at home.

After the match, Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: “Two-hundred clean sheets is of course remarkable. On top of that he saved a penalty today. He had to wait a while for that, and it was quite fortunate it came against Deeney.

“He went, in one week, from hell to heaven. I like him in both situations. In the first situation he showed a lot of humility. He has a huge level of intelligence. You don’t stay at the top for so long without that.”

“We had a very good first half,” said Wenger. “Second half, we suffered a bit but spirit was high and we stick together. We took advantage of their weak moments. In the end it was a convincing win.

“Overall it gets us out of the negative spiral we were in. We need some more games now. We had a nightmare week. There is a lot of negativity, it’s like rain in England. But I’ve shown in 22 years that I focus on my job with total commitment.”

Asked if he was concerned by the empty seats, Wenger added: “I worry because I want the fans to be behind the team. But it is a bit of understanding because of the week we have had.”